Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. I still have not decided yet. I can't believe how drained I've actually been from trying to make this decision. I know this is suppose to be fun, but there's a part of me that is worried that I will make the wrong decision. And another part of me is I usually feel guilty about spending $$$ on myself. I know, it sounds crazy.
I wanted to find out more about the Juki, as there is an authorized dealer here in town. They have gotten really bad reviews and I can see why. First, they quoted me a overinflated MSRP, but was willing to knock it down to their "special" price (which is above what the real MSRP really is). They told me if I didn't purchase my machine from them, they will not do any warranty work on it. Really? They didn't even seem to care that I am able to find the same machine at a much better price (less than half of what they are willing to offer it for me). In fact, the woman on the phone sounded pretty aloof about the whole thing. They will never get me as a customer and I plan to contact Juki about my experience with them.
I did some more calling around to other sewing centers. Eventhough they are not authorized to carry Juki's, they can still repair them. But those places were more interested on trying to sell me the machines that they carry. The Janome and the Baby Lock dealers did that to me. They were trying to talk me out of a Juki, asking me why I would even want one.
Since I'm about 4 hours from San Diego, my husband and I have decided to make a drive over to San Diego this Saturday and visit the Sewing Machines Plus store in San Marcos. They have the Juki's and the Janome machines that I'm looking at. I have no problem at all driving a few hours to make a purchase of I can't find a local company who will give me good customer service. I've done it in the past when it came to purchasing a car. I can do it again for a sewing machine.
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